Crock Pot Country Chicken & Rice Casserole

Yield

6

Prep time

10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fully thawed
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup
• 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Method

1. Place the chicken breasts in a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, chicken broth, garlic powder and onion powder. Pour over the chicken and scatter the butter over the top.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Transfer the chicken to a plate and shred with two forks. Keep covered while the rice cooks.
5. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH. Stir the uncooked rice into the hot soup mixture, making sure it is submerged. Cover and cook for 45–75 minutes, checking after 45 minutes, until the rice is tender. If the mixture becomes too thick before the rice is cooked, stir in a little hot water.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir gently to combine. Taste before adding salt and black pepper.
7. Sprinkle the cheddar evenly over the top. Cover for 5–10 minutes, until the cheese melts and the chicken is hot throughout. Serve warm.

Kitchen notes

Timing guide:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW, plus 45–75 minutes on HIGH

Practical Woman's Secret
Add the rice to the already-hot sauce rather than cooking it with the chicken from the start. Keep the lid closed during cooking and stop once the grains are tender for a creamy casserole that still has texture.

Serving and Storage
Serve warm with green beans, broccoli or a simple salad.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions with a splash of broth or water until hot throughout.